HF 2811

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 04/22/2025 11:19am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; requiring helmets for operators of electric-assisted bicycles
under the age of 18; providing a penalty; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024,
section 169.222, subdivision 6a.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:

Subd. 6a.

Electric-assisted bicycle; riding rules.

(a) A person may operate an
electric-assisted bicycle in the same manner as provided for operation of other bicycles,
including but not limited to operation on the shoulder of a roadway, a bicycle lane, and a
bicycle route, and operation without the motor engaged on a bikeway or bicycle trail.

(b) A person may operate a class 1 or class 2 electric-assisted bicycle with the motor
engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared use path unless prohibited under section
85.015, subdivision 1d; 85.018, subdivision 2, paragraph (d); or 160.263, subdivision 2,
paragraph (b), as applicable.

(c) A person may operate a class 3 electric-assisted bicycle or multiple mode
electric-assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared
use path unless the local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over the bicycle path
or trail prohibits the operation.

(d) The local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail or over a bike park
that is designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread made by clearing
and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials may regulate the operation of
an electric-assisted bicycle.

(e) A person under the age of 15 must not operate an electric-assisted bicycle.

new text begin (f) A person under the age of 18 must wear a helmet approved by the commissioner of
public safety while operating an electric-assisted bicycle. A person who violates this
paragraph is subject to a fine of $........
new text end